ZA
About III
Based in Johannesburg, the Institute of Inventors and Innovators (III) is committed to helping inventors and invention business owners to succeed in today’s rapidly changing marketplace and demanding business environment.
The Institute of Inventors and Innovators offers important information, advice and guidance on all aspects of the invention process which includes IP protection, industrial design, prototyping and manufacture, funding and marketing.
Anyone who has had a good idea and tried to develop it to launch status knows that the Invention Process is a long road. All understand that taking any invention to market is complicated and fraught with barriers to overcome.
Chairman, Trustee and Director
Mr. Kenneth Hawksworth
History
The Institute of Inventors and Innovators (III) was established in South Africa in 1974 by Don Pilkington. He envisaged a society of inventors and thinkers cooperating with and supporting each other to solve technical, legal and financial challenges during the process of inventing and creating businesses. Through this association, a number of inventions were developed, patented and commercialized.
Vision
Our vision is to be the premier provider of positive, affordable, credible resources to inventors and innovators whose products range across all markets. Further, we envisage the III as a central source of services and information, uniting all invention and innovation entities across our vibrant continent.
Mission
Our mission is to do whatever we can to promote Invention and Innovation in South Africa and elsewhere.
Membership
Why Join?
There are many good reasons for belonging to the III and then there is yours! The camaraderie, the networking, the intelligent and continuous help at your finger-tips from a trusted well-established source makes being a member of the Institute simply a sensible decision. Inventing is a lonely road as it must be, for who knows more about your idea than you do – but you do not have to be alone. There are many who have been where you are and who are willing to help.
Who can Join?
Membership of the Institute is open to inventors and innovators, professional business people, non-inventors, corporates, suppliers and service providers … and anyone else interested in the inventive process. We get together regularly to discuss topics of interest to inventors. Do you have time to volunteer? Would you like to speak to the group? Do you have some ideas on how to do things better? Let us know!
III Future
The Institute for Inventors and Innovators Resource Centre will be a central hub that will house a variety of information sources. It will provide an enabling environment for the inventor to fully understand the gaps in his/her specific pathway to the market and develop appropriate strategies, as well as providing advice on all aspects, from refining IP database searches to mechanisms to access funding. It will be a primary operational site where various other projects will also be activated. The III has much more work to do, to truly empower South African inventors and entrepreneurs with the tools they need to shape the innovation landscape of the country. That landscape is set to be diverse, vibrant and colorful.
Annual Report of The Institute of Inventors and Innovators (III)
Institute of Inventors and Innovators (III)
Contact Information
Curriculum Vitae / Mr. Kenneth Hawksworth
Chairman, Trustee and Director
Personal Details:
Date of Birth: 10.September.1994
Nationality: British
Email: kenh@iii.org.za
Languages: English
Professional Experience
| Year | Role |
| 2021 – Present | Member of the Executive Committee Member of International Federation of Inventors Associations – IFIA |
| 2012 – Present | Elected Chairman of the Institute of Inventors and Innovators – the South African Association for Inventors |
| 2005 – Present | Ingenious Solutions cc / Owner Manager Inventor / Manufacture and sales of own patented swimming pool accessories. |
| 2002 – 2004 | Crabtree Electrical Accessories SA, Wadeville Johannesburg / General Manager Primary Manufacturing Division |
| 1990 – 1992 | Prices Candles, Johannesburg – Division of Shell Chemicals / Manufacturing Manager |
| 1989 – 1989 | Gillette – Springs, East Rand Johannesburg / Production Manager |
| 1986 – 1988 | Technical Operations Manager |
| 1981 -1986 | Engineering Services Manager |
| 1977 – 1981 | Qualcast Lawn Mowers Ltd, Derby England / Works Engineer |
| 1972 – 1977 | Plant Engineer |
| 1967 – 1972 | Works Maintenance Engineer Trainee |
| 1965 – 1967 | BTR Industries, Burton on Trent, England / Maintenance Planning Engineer |
| 1961 – 1965 | Comprehensive 5 year engineering apprenticeship served |
Academic Qualification
| Year | Academic Qualification |
| 1958 – 1961 | Burton on Trent Technical College, Burton on Trent, England / Higher National Certificate Mechanical Engineering |
| Certificate in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) |
Professional Memberships
| Professional Memberships |
| Chartered Engineer (UK) |
| Member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (Elected member 1973, now retired) |
| Member of the Chartered Management Institute (Elected member 1981, now retired) |